REMAINS OF A VINTAGE 35mm PROJECTOR

 

This recent addition to the Collection is all that remains of an early 35mm silent projector. What is not known is exactly what it is and was found very much in a poor state.

Restoration has taken place with what remains and it is evident the projector had an upper spool box and therefore a lower one for which the respective arm is missing. The front shutter is interesting as it is not metal (just as well and probably because of the dangers of such shutter arrangements before guards were introduced)

The shell had no lens but a suitable one has been ‘made up’ to give the projector some authenticity. The picture gate is intact and the reverse side is interesting for its engineering. It is thought it was motorised at some stage.

We at the Collection are open to ideas. Two similar artefacts are held at the National Museum of Cinema Technology but they have no details about them either.

Could it be an Empire or an Ernemann II? We here would like to think it is the remains of an Erneman II as two such projectors were installed in the first Picture House in 1916. Any ideas?